With around 81 million inhabitants, Egypt is the most highly populated Arab country, vibrant with life along the mighty Nile River. But in the midst of the hustle and bustle, more than 20 million people are living in substandard housing conditions, with no means of improving their situation. Poverty housing is particularly common in rural areas, where many families live in old mud-brick houses with dirt floors, no doors or windows and inadequate roofs made from thatch, branches or even sugar cane. These conditions provide little protection from the perils of snakes, insects, intruders, rain or the extreme variations in temperature. The houses are dangerously hot in summer and below freezing temperatures in winter, and people often die from pneumonia. Access to toilets and piped water is limited, creating further health problems. Moreover, large families are often crowded into one- or two-room structures. Some even share their homes with their livestock or poultry.
How Habitat helps
Habitat for Humanity Egypt (HFH Egypt) was founded in 1989 and has constructed or renovated houses that have turned despair into hope for thousands of families in 25 communities who were living in such conditions.
The houses are simple and affordable, yet decent and durable. They are built using appropriate, locally-available building materials that meet specific housing requirements. Houses have cemented or tiled floors, plastered or limestone brick walls, secure wooden roofs and enough rooms to separate parents from children, boys from girls and families from their livestock. The access to clean water and sanitation systems, separation from animals and good ventilation all serve to improve the health of families and their communities.
HFH Egypt partners with the homeowners themselves and with other nongovernmental organizations and community development associations to achieve its goal. By building on their established knowledge and insight to the community and working at the grassroots level, HFH Egypt has experienced tremendous results over recent years and expects the rapid growth to continue.
Highlights
In Cairo, HFH Egypt is continuing its work with the garbage collectors. Many families not only live with their livestock, but also with the garbage they sort and recycle. HFH Egypt helps these families build a second floor enabling them to have accommodations separate from their work, improving overall hygiene and health.
In the governorates of El-Minya and Beni Suef (4 – 5 hours south of Cairo) HFH Egypt is helping to boost the local economy by encouraging homeowners to purchase local construction materials including white limestone from the quarry as well as employing local builders. As a result, many who would have otherwise migrated to seek work elsewhere are able to stay in the community with their families. HFH Egypt continues to expand its work in both of these governorates.
HFH Egypt is offering construction technical assistance to all of its beneficiaries at no additional cost. The HFH Egypt engineers work very closely with the homeowners in constructing a house that is functional, affordable and healthy. The engineers are regularly on-site throughout the building or renovation process, insuring that a solid home is constructed.
As a result of rising steel and cement prices, HFH Egypt engineers designed a home with a flat dome roof which cut the cost of the roof by 25% and the overall cost of the home by 17%.
In addition to its conventional housing projects, HFH Egypt is offering no-profit loans to replace inadequate roofs with wooden ones. This change alone can create a secure home, protect families from the elements and also allow families the opportunity to build a second floor in the future.
I was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil in a home filled with relics from my parents’ travels to Egypt, Morocco, India, Asia, Europe, South America and the Middle East. So I’m a curious little bugger.
I dreamed of working for UNICEF and Disney to help fight for the “tiny” people we all have a responsibility to make this world a better place for. I was encouraged to just be a kid and reminded that we are all equally important – and when given the opportunity to help someone, we take it.
After finishing high school in the U.S., I moved to Japan where I complete my B.A. at Konan University in Kobe.
I then traveled Asia and Israel before spending the next six years at UNICEF in program development and publicity. During this time, I worked in South America with underprivileged children through the Rotary Foundation, served as interpreter for foreign heads of state and grew more determined to make it around the globe, learning as many languages as possible, to make a difference in the lives of others.
I went on to take a magic carpet ride to Disney, for an incredible opportunity at the Studio, combining film and my devotion to philanthropy. This is where I met Kat who I am now honored to join on what will undoubtedly be a powerful experience. Egypt also holds a spot in my heart as a memory of my dad teaching me as a kid, about its people, culture and history as I smiled pretending to be Cleopatra, vowing to get there one day with him to make a difference.
I live with my two little ‘punkins’, Satou and Mochi and volunteer locally and also abroad during my travels. I guess if you were to ask my family and friends, they would say that children and animals inspire me, water is my air and that I believe and see the world through the eyes of a child.
Raji Sextus Brampton, Canada I completed my bachelor's degree in biology, worked at a fertility clinic for a year, and found it very interesting, which led me to pursue the field further. I am currently just finishing my Master's degree in Reproductive Biology and think this trip will be an excellent way to celebrate graduating, and a well needed break before I have to take up the full time job of looking for a full time job! I have lived in Ontario since I was 8, and before that I lived in Qatar, a small country in the Middle East with my family. I first met our team lead, Kat, in 2007 on a two week build in India, and LOVED it! Not only do we get to help those in need, but we get to experience new places and culture! I'm originally from India, and have been there a bunch of times to visit family, but have never quite experienced India as I did with the Habitat team. I love traveling, and have always wanted to go to Egypt! I can't wait to see the country, the Pyramids, and be a part of this team. Lesylee Hodge Mckinney, Texas
I was born a little over 50 years ago in Orange County, California. My dream of living the life of a beach babe was shattered when, as a child, my dad moved us east to landlocked Ponca City, Oklahoma. Beach babe to Okie – yee haw! I must admit that at the age of 7, I probably didn’t know exactly what a beach babe was but I did miss the ocean. My parents, brother and sister all live in Ponca City and it’s the place I still call home.
Fast forward to my adult life . . . I have been employed by the FDIC as a bank liquidator for 28 years. I have survived transfers to 8 states and temporary assignments to almost all 50 states. Some of these assignments have been to fabulous locales while others have been to places I would not pay to visit but each assignment was an adventure. My last transfer was to the Dallas/Ft. Worth metromess and I have lived here for nearly 13 years. While it’s not the most favorite place I’ve lived, it is where I met my Prince Charming who I married 6 years ago. Even after 28 years, I still love my job as the work is rarely, if ever, routine.
My husband Phil and I share a passion for gardening which is a constant challenge here in North Texas with the heat, intense sun and erratic rainfall. Most of our plants are nectar sources for butterflies and hummingbirds so there’s always something flying, buzzing or hovering around the yard. We are working towards showing our gardens in the biennial McKinney Garden Tour in 2012. I tend to be the creative force behind the gardens while Phil does most of the heavy lifting. Our cat Libby supervises the work and has been known to dig up plants not placed to her liking. My other passions include mosaics along with planning and taking vacations.
I consider myself to be a very charitable person but my hectic work life has prevented me from contributing my time to causes I support. I strongly believe in Habitat for Humanity’s mission and look forward to doing my part in Egypt to ensure its continued success.
Lisa Caruso Washington, DC
I currently live in Washington, DC, but if you ask friends, they’ll say I’m bicoastal/tri-citied between DC, LA and NY since I travel between them so often.
I’m originally from New Jersey, and received my B.A. in International Affairs with the intention of one day being a diplomat, but my desire to pursue filmmaking won over. I spent 15 years in Los Angeles (time sure does fly) working in film and television development and production, and also got my MFA in Directing at the American Film Institute.
A few years ago, an opportunity came up to help launch a Discovery network called Planet Green, and I got to be part of creating programming for a channel that had a mission to educate people about the planet and what we can do to maintain it for future generations.
I have had the good fortune of traveling to some amazing places over the years, from the Amazon in Peru to Angkor Wat in Cambodia, to South Africa and more. While I’ve volunteered locally to teach literacy and filmmaking, I’ve never gone abroad specifically to give back in a place where I’ve had the opportunity to experience a different culture first-hand.
I’ve always had the dream of seeing Egypt someday, and this feels like the perfect time (since I’ve been laid off from my job) and the perfect place (since it dates back to the earliest of civilizations), to really look at the bigger picture of both my life and human connectedness on this earth and how we are all part of that whole. I feel privileged to join my friend Kat on this Habitat team and help in any small way that I can. I know we’ll leave something physical behind in the form of a building, but I can only imagine the amazing intangible experience that will come along with it.
Brett Erickson Durango, CO
I was born and raised in a small town in Nebraska and moved to Alaska with my family at the age of 16. Since then, my life has been full of new experiences and adventures. Currently I am living in Durango, Co with my friend and our dog Uno. I have taken a really big interest in snowboarding and try to spend anywhere from 50 to 100 days a year on the mountain. I am most at peace whenever I can be outdoors playing, snow, rain, or sun, there is a sport for it all. For the last 8 years, I have been working my way around Alaska as a construction worker.
Most of my time at work is away from home in small villages in Alaska where we build schools or medical clinics.
I got to spend Christmas in Hawaii last year doing a build on Molokai, that being my first build. I had a most excellent time learning the culture and being involved in the community and seeing how they live day by day. After seeing before and after pictures of our build, it made me feel like I wanted to go on another one. When Kat told us that she had a trip planned for Egypt, I jumped at the chance to go. I'm really excited for the build and meeting the rest of the team.
Emillia Noordhoek (in the Blue Mumu) Moloka'i Hawaii I was born and raised on a Navajo Reservation in New Mexico for most of my childhood and around the Southwest area until I finally found myself in Portland, Oregon as a young adult. I have lived on Molokai for 4 years.
I went to the University of Oregon, and as a young single mother majored in art as well as languages and traveled with my son until he started school.
Travel and culture has always been an important part of my life and I believe that growing up on the reservation helped to make me feel comfortable about being in unfamiliar situations and not to feel out of place outside of my culture.
I have always had a passion for advocating for affordable housing and have worked in the mortgage industry and finally received a master in Real Estate Development focusing on affordable green housing. This background led me to my current position as the Resource Development Director for the Molokai Habitat for Humanity where I have worked for almost four years.
I also have implemented and manage the “green build” aspect of our construction. We are currently have two green certified homes under construction on the island.
Last year I began a Global Village program for our affiliate and after the first amazing team came, I knew wanted to share in that experience as a participant. I am so excited to be part of this team to Egypt, looking forward to building with very different materials in a land half a world away. I would also very much like to ride a camel if at all possible!
Michelle Eiland Columbus, OH
I was born and raised in Columbus, OH. I graduated from Otterbein college with a degree in Business Administration and Spanish.
During my undergraduate years, I participated in a semester abroad in Cordoba, Argentina. I received my Master's Degree in International Business Administration and Management from the University of Westminister in London, England.
I enjoy traveling, listening to music and volunteering. I credit my sister for introducing me to Habitat for Humanity. In 2007, she drove from Columbus, Ohio to New Orleans, Louisiana to help rebuilding efforts in the Musician's Village neighborhood. Currently, we both volunteer at the Greater Columbus chapter.
I am looking forward to participating in my first Global Village build and my first trip to Africa.
Jane Walker Squamish, BC
I was born in Saskatoon Sask, July 1941. My parents and I moved to Vancouver, B.C. in 1943, where I lived and went to public school and UBC. I graduated with an English and Sociology major. I was hired by our provincial government as a social worker after graduation and came up to Squamish. It was a very small logging town, with a variety of industries, mainly pertaining to the logging industry. The two years I spent as a social worker I considered to be the most meaningful, in terms of education and life experience, I have ever had. It showed me the vast levels of life style and economic diversity that existed in our society at that time. I had been raised in a middle class neighborhood and had no idea what poverty was or the damaging effects that depravation and malnutrition have on a person's development. I soon realized the important role of fate in all of our life styles and that I had had a very privileged upbringing.
Later, I married the local magistrate/lawyer and we raised 3 children together. They are grown and live in Squamish, which is huge blessing for me. I am single; and live in the family home.
I have always had a passion for music and have pursued it in one way or another all my life. I completed a music degree in my late fifties and sing in the local choir. I have taught piano for many years, although not recently because it does not fit with my nomadic desire to travel anywhere at a moments notice. The world is a beautiful place and I want to see as much of it as I can before it's over.
I consider Habitat For Humanity one of the great ways of giving back and helping people help themselves and I am honored to be part of the team.
Barbara Mahoney Portland, Oregon
I grew up in Los Angeles. After college, I moved north to San Francisco. I earned a BS in 1966 from the University of California (UCLA and UCSF Medical Center), married Mike Mahoney in 1967 while he was in medical school, divorced after 18 years. I have 4 wonderful kids: Scott, 40, Matt, 37, Joe, 35, Kate 31. All are beautiful, happy, healthy, and successful. Currently, I live in Portland, Oregon. I have been a dental hygienist, a Nike customer service trainer, business owner, massage therapist, and inventor of massage tools.
As my kids started leaving home, I had to examine what I wanted to "do" next. I knew I was a physical type of person, wanted to be my own boss, and desired genuine connections with people. So I went back to school to became a massage therapist. It has been a great fit. I help people, make a living on my terms, travel when I want, and have made wonderful client/friends . I'll be doing this work until my hands give out.
Adventure travel and volunteer work have always expanded my life and kept me young at heart: Historical Restoration work in Ireland, Habitat for Humanity in Hungary, Camp Sunshine in Maine. (Camp Sunshine is a summer camp for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.) Knowing how stressful dealing with all the physical and emotional issues can be, I felt privileged to offer nurturing massage to the parents of these children. That summer was one of the most inspirational and fulfilling of my life.
I am really looking forward to the next exciting adventure: Egypt with Habitat. Eqypt has been a travel destination of mine for a long time. One of the best parts is meeting wonderful people, volunteers and host country families. I'm sure this will be a great experience!
Cheyenne Willow Gilman Durango, Colorado
My name is Cheyenne Willow Gilman. I was born and raised in Alaska! I recently drove down to Durango, Co where I live now with my 4 month old airedale puppy UNO. I love to snowboard, hike, run, workout, skate, swim, xcountry ski, dance, play rugby, soccer and basketball. I take it easy by watching movies with friends, camping or just hanging out. I love to laugh and take advantage of any reason to smile.
I am studying for a bachelors degree in holistic nutrition and am working toward becoming a personal fitness trainer. I love to travel! Take pictures of myself : ) and beautiful scenery shots of the sunset, sunrise, mountains, trees, flowers, or whatever else strikes me as beautiful. I've been on one other global village trip with Kat Williams to Molokai, HI last December. Proud to say that was the first Global Village trip to Hawaii ever, so happy to have been part of it!
Luke Waaler Boulder, Colorado
I'm Luke Waaler, and I'm thrilled to be part of this Global Village team.
By day, I'm an Industrial Designer, meaning I design and develop products for a living. For the last six years, I've worked for a company in Boulder, CO, designing surgical products. I love my job, and work on interesting projects with great people.
Photo: me (on the right) with a local builder in Nicaragua last summer.
Aside from youth group trips in high school, I've been on two mission trips in the last few years. In 2006 I went to the Gulf Coast, to provide hurricane relief after Katrina. Last summer I traveled to a small town in Nicaragua to help build homes there. So Egypt seemed like the next logical step!
I grew up in Illinois, but really love the outdoor activities that Colorado has to offer. For me, that includes hiking and mountain biking, or just going for a drive in the mountains, any time of year. I also play softball and some volleyball.
I feel blessed to have this opportunity to travel with Habitat. I've volunteered at local build sites for the last five years, and really support their mission. I try to find ways to make a difference in this world, and I'm looking forward to this chance to help others.
Jamie Lowe Chicago, Illinois
Jamie Lowe was born and raised in Chicago,Illinois.A graduate of Northern Illinois University, she has worked in Public Health for 6 to 7 years. Always wanting to travel abroad Jamie found the perfect opportunity to do so with Habitat for Humanity. Jamie is looking forward to pursuing a second degree in Nursing in 2011. Happy to be joining the Egypt trip and gaining great experience!
Christian Lawler Rochester, NY
My name is Christian Lawler but I usually go by Chris. I was born in New York and have lived in the state for my whole life. I have lived in different areas of it starting in Watertown moved to Albany for College and now reside in Rochester.
I graduated from Albany College of Pharmacy with a degree in Pharmacy and currently work as a Pharmacist. I recently opened my own business and with the help of my brother own a small custom advertisement company. We customize clothing, signs, banners, vehicles, and hats with personalized company logos and or messages.
Throughout my pharmacy career I have invested in real estate owning some rental properties as well as flipping a few houses. That's where I developed a passion for fixing up and building houses. I have worked on a number of houses of my own and also have participated with local Habitat sites for the last 2 years.
I like to stay active and enjoy pretty much any sports, working out, travel, nature, history, different cultures, and adventure. That's why when I got an opportunity to build houses in Egypt I couldn't pass it up. It has been a goal of mine to see the pyramids and what better way to see them than by giving back to the community at the same time. I'm excited to be a part of the team and to change the lives of a family in need.
(9-day itinerary)
Day 1 Friday, October 8th Depart for Egypt
Day 2, Saturday, October 9th Travel day
Day 3, Sunday, October 10th Arrive in Cairo; shuttle bus from airport to Baron Hotel arriving no later than 12:PM. Free time at hotel to rest and relax; lunch at hotel; travel to affiliate (4- to 5-hour bus ride); dinner at Hotel Cleopatra in El Minya.
Day 4, Monday, October 11th Travel to host project work site; welcome and orientation with local community board; build in the community; lunch on site; time for team activities in the evening.
Days 5–6, Tuesday, October 12th - Wednesday, October 13th
Breakfast at hotel; work at build site 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; lunch on site; dinner at hotel; time for team activities in the evening.
Day 7, Thursday, October 14th
Breakfast at hotel; work on site 9 a.m.–2 p.m.; lunch on site; travel to Cairo by bus; dinner in Cairo; stay at Baron Hotel.
Day 8, Friday, October 15th Free day of cultural activities. Guided Pyramid Tour
Day 9, Saturday, October 16th Breakfast at hotel; depart for home (This only applies to those who are leaving and not continuing on with the Nile Cruise)
